2026 ND Portal Targets

IrishInOntario

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People are forgetting that ND already has a NB that they like a lot in Dallas Golden. He's just young and still developing. I think what ND's going for are DBs with max flexibility. A guy like McKinney can probably play NB against most slot receivers that ND will play against, however, in a situation in which a team's best WR is a slot (think Malachi Toney when we play Miami), the defensive staff can man up Leonard Moore like they did when he shut down Makhai Lemon, and Mckinney can flex outside as required. Versatility is everything in modern football!
 

sixstar

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BoredIrish

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People are forgetting that ND already has a NB that they like a lot in Dallas Golden. He's just young and still developing. I think what ND's going for are DBs with max flexibility. A guy like McKinney can probably play NB against most slot receivers that ND will play against, however, in a situation in which a team's best WR is a slot (think Malachi Toney when we play Miami), the defensive staff can man up Leonard Moore like they did when he shut down Makhai Lemon, and Mckinney can flex outside as required. Versatility is everything in modern football!
My question is what does this mean for Zackery? I would have thought he was have been the #3 CB next year.
 

FireJeffQuinn

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It may be true, but I don’t think Mike Frank has had a scoop on something since Denbrock coming back
In recent months, I've found the birds-eye-view analysis from the beat to be much more valuable than their "insider" information.
 

rtrn2glory

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Graham would be outstanding to land, but I'll be honest if you gave me the choice between him and Porter, I'd go Porter simply based off of the fact we don't have anybody on the roster like him at the X receiver.
 

IrishInOntario

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I think Zackery continues to develop, in competition for the #2 field corner role. Keep in mind that a year from now Moore, Gray and Mckinney will all be gone. You need at least 4 CBs that can play (including one at nickel)....

in 2026 you have...
Leonard Moore (Boundary)
DJ Mckinney (Boundary / Nickel)
Khary Adams (Boundary)
Christian Gray (Field)
Mark Zackery (Field)
Jayden Sanders (Field)
Dallas Golden (Nickel)

2027 you have....
Khary Adams (Boundary)
Chaston Smith (Boundary
Mark Zackery (Field)
Jayden Sanders (Field)
Dallas Golden (Nickel)
Portal Additions as required

7 players in competition for 3 secondary positions in 2026 is about right. 2-deep +1 protects you from injury, increases scheme flexibility and guards against attrition.
 

allenm5333

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Graham would be outstanding to land, but I'll be honest if you gave me the choice between him and Porter, I'd go Porter simply based off of the fact we don't have anybody on the roster like him at the X receiver.
We have one other WR with Porter's body. Graham is a luxury, Porter a necessity
 

RudyVerse

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Just forgetting depth and what not, a DL with Traiore, Brewu, Keeley, and Bryce Young is a unit.

And Young and Keeley haven’t shown much but how often do you see DL come into their own with you’re getting close to NFL time/age. Sprinkle in and could be an outstanding DL coach and we’re a problem.
 

IrishInOntario

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We have one other WR with Porter's body. Graham is a luxury, Porter a necessity
Graham would give you "plug-n-play" injury insurance for both Greathouse and Faison, a 3-for-2 rotation and an obvious heir apparent in the fold for 2027, without having to go to the portal. He's a luxury, yes, but a very strategic luxury and I understand why Freeman and staff are pursuing him.
 
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